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German Children’s Classic ‘Emil and the Detectives’ Translated into Lao

Children reading excerpts of Emil and the Detectives
Children reading excerpts of Emil and the Detectives

The beloved German children’s classic Emil and the Detectives, written by renowned author Erich Kästner, has now been translated into Lao. 

The launch event for this translated version took place at the German Embassy in Vientiane on 26 February.

Originally published in 1929, Emil and the Detectives marked a shift in German literary style and has since become a fundamental piece of children’s literature, praised for its emphasis on empowerment, self-confidence, and courage. 

The story features a group of resourceful children who take matters into their own hands to solve a mystery, proving that even the youngest can act with determination and shape their own destinies.

But translating this classic into Lao was no simple task, as noted by the translator, Ousavanh Thiengthepvongsa. The book is rich with slang and everyday language from 1920s Berlin, which presented a unique translation challenge.

Ousavanh studied in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) and spent many years living in Germany, Ousavanh brought together a deep understanding of both German literature and Lao culture to this project. 

He teamed up with Sonekham Seankhamta, an editor from the German Department at the National University of Laos (NUOL), and together they worked to ensure the language stayed true to the original while also making it relatable and accessible for young Lao readers.

The process of adapting the book’s historical, cultural, and linguistic elements to the Lao context required an in-depth understanding of both the original text and the target language. 

German classic Emil and the Detectives was translated into Lao. Launch day at the German Embassy in Vientiane.

“It was a challenge to translate the book word by word, striving to preserve its original meaning while ensuring that Lao readers could fully understand the true essence of the story,” said Ousavanh. “We wanted to ensure that the Lao readers could relate to the themes of courage and adventure, just as children in Germany have for decades.”

Erich Kästner, the author of the book, was born in Dresden in 1899 and is considered one of the most important German writers of the 20th century. Despite his popularity, Kästner’s books were publicly burnt by the Nazis in 1933, and the author was banned from writing. However, his legacy endures to this day with Emil and the Detectives.

The Lao version of Emil and the Detectives was published by the German charity association Books for Laos e.V., with support from the German Embassy in Laos and the Georg Kraus Foundation. This project is the result of a collaborative effort between the German Embassy, the NUOL, Books for Laos, and the grassroots literacy initiative Reading Elephant Laos, which has been supporting educational projects in Bokeo Province since 2017.

The first edition of the Lao translation comprises 600 copies, which will be distributed free of charge to schools, libraries, and reading projects in Laos. 

Bridge Alliance accelerates API market development in Asia Pacific

  • Leveraging operator relationships with enterprise customers to offer them API services
  • Partnering with multiple channels to meet specific solution needs of enterprise verticals like fintech, e-commerce

SINGAPORE and BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bridge Alliance, the alliance of leading global mobile operators has taken big strides forward in accelerating market development of telco APIs in Asia Pacific through channel partnerships. It will showcase updates to its Bridge Alliance API Exchange (BAEx) at the GSMA Open Gateway Zone at Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2025.

Launched in 2024 and open to any operator, BAEx has made significant progress in securing channel partners and participating operators. To date, 14 operators have pledged their commitment to BAEx, which simplifies API access and adoption with its unified integration, simplified commercial framework and common operational support model.

Dr Ong Geok Chwee, CEO of Bridge Alliance, said, “We’re excited to show the progress that BAEx has made in API market development on the global stage here at MWC 25. We’re encouraged by the support of participating channel partners and operators to realise our market-driven approach in serving the needs of developers and enterprises. We look forward to co-creating relevant use cases with them!”

Driving innovation and new use cases 

Bridge Alliance is also driving efforts in innovation and developing new use cases in the region. Bridge Alliance is co-hosting the Open Gateway Global Use Case Innovation Challenge launched by China Unicom Global and the GSMA, which has identified innovative industry proposals tapping on CAMARA APIs that will be shortlisted for potential commercial deployment.

Together, the operator community, academia and industry partners will co-develop these new use cases which will address the needs of Chinese multinational enterprises and can be deployed beyond China. Results of winning proposals will be announced at the MWC Barcelona 2025 and displayed at the China Unicom booth at MWC (Hall 1, Stand 1A60).

As an operator-neutral exchange, BAEx extends its scope beyond Bridge Alliance member operators and serves as an industry catalyst to remove friction for enterprises to adopt telco APIs. Among these, BAEx is now offering Number Verification and SIM Swap. In January 2025, BAEx’s Number Verify API received GSMA’s Open Gateway Certification.

Channel partners

To further meet the needs of developers in specific enterprise verticals and the long-tail developer community, Bridge Alliance has established partnerships with multiple channel partners including:

CPaaS provider Soprano Design offers an automated digital engagement platform that enables developers to integrate seamless, automated communications into their applications. It will leverage Number Verify API to create secure and trusted digital authentication flows.

Glide Identity provides an advanced authentication solution designed to prevent account takeover fraud and enhance security against AI-driven threats. Glide will be utilizing BAEx’s Number Verify and SIM Swap APIs to further strengthen their authentication solutions across Asia.

917Ventures, the corporate venture builder arm of Globe, will publish BAEx APIs on Concati, its one-stop API marketplace for developers that allows integration and consumption of APIs in just a couple of days.

Visit the Bridge Alliance pod at the GSMA Open Gateway Zone at MWC Barcelona 2025 to find out more or www.bridgealliance.com/baex to register your interest in participating in BAEx.

About Bridge Alliance

Bridge Alliance, the leading mobile alliance for premier operators and their customers in Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa, celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024. Our alliance today covers 35 members who serve over 1 billion customers collectively across these regions. Our goal is to build group capabilities and create value for our members by enabling compelling roaming services and experience, offering multi-market enterprise and IoT solutions, and delivering savings and benefits through leveraging group economies.

Bridge Alliance’s members and partners include: Airtel (India, Sri Lanka and the Airtel subsidiaries in Africa: Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia), AIS, China Telecom, China Unicom, CSL, CTM, Deutsche Telekom, Globe, Maxis, Metfone, MobiFone, Optus, Singtel, SK Telecom, stc (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait), SoftBank Corp., Taiwan Mobile, and Telkomsel.

For more information, visit www.bridgealliance.com.

Luang Prabang Tourism Center Turns Chinese Hot Pot, Sparks Online Debate

Tourist Information Center Before and After Renovation. (Photo: Luang Prabang Culture)
Tourist Information Center Before and After Renovation. (Photo: Luang Prabang Culture)

In a move that has stunned many in the tourism industry, the once important Tourist Information Center in Luang Prabang, located in front of the night market at the corner of Sisavangvong Road, has been transformed into a Chinese hot pot restaurant.

Practicing Sustainability: DEKRA Honored with ‘Global Eco Partner Award’

BEIJING, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the 2025 Automotive Supply Chain New Ecology Conference, organized by China Automotive News under the guidance of China Energy & Automotive Media Group Ltd., DEKRA was recognized with the prestigious Global Eco Partner Award. This accolade highlights DEKRA’s outstanding contributions to the automotive supply chain ecosystem.

Driving a New Ecosystem, Shaping a Sustainable Future

With the rapid growth of the new energy vehicle market, advancements in battery technology, automated and connected driving have accelerated the transformation of supply chain enterprises. This shift not only facilitates the new energy vehicle industry but also injects new vitality into the entire automotive supply chain.

The conference aimed to foster an open, collaborative, and inclusive industrial ecosystem, strengthening innovation-driven development, promoting the deep integration of the automotive supply chain and achieving sustainable development. Industry leaders, corporate executives, and experts convened to explore emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges while sharing best practices and strategies for enhancing cross-sector collaboration and sustainable business models.

DEKRA: Empowering the Future of the Automotive Supply Chain

As a global leader in safety, security and sustainability, DEKRA provides comprehensive services across the automotive supply chain, including homologation, testing and certification for automotive components, audit and management system certification, as well as cybersecurity and functional safety services.

Receiving the Global Eco Partner Award reaffirms DEKRA’s dedication to advancing the automotive supply chain ecosystem. Looking ahead, DEKRA remains committed to sustainability, continuously innovating service portfolio and enhancing service quality. Through close collaboration with global partners, DEKRA aims to build a safe, sustainable, and mutually beneficial automotive supply chain.

DEKRA is a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, dedicated to becoming a trusted partner in safety and sustainability. With outstanding performance in corporate social responsibility and sustainability management, DEKRA holds a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing it among the top 1% of the world’s most sustainable companies.

About DEKRA

For 100 years, DEKRA has been a trusted name in safety. Founded in 1925 with the original goal of improving road safety through vehicle inspections, DEKRA has grown to become the world’s largest independent, non-listed expert organization in the field of testing, inspection, and certification. Today, as a global partner, the company supports its customers with comprehensive services and solutions to drive safety and sustainability forward—fully aligned with DEKRA’s anniversary motto, “Securing the Future.” In 2024, DEKRA is expected to generate revenue of 4.3 billion euros. Around 49,000 employees are providing qualified and independent expert services in approximately 60 countries across five continents. DEKRA holds a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing it among the top 1% of the world’s most sustainable companies.

Asian Agri Distributes Essential Food to Flood Victims in Pangkalan Kerinci District and Langgam District in Riau Province


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Asian Agri, a member of the RGE group of companies, recently provided essential food to help alleviate the hardships faced by the flood victims in Pangkalan Kerinci District and Langgam District, Pelalawan Regency of Riau Province in Indonesia through its business units PT Inti Indosawit Subur (PT IIS) and PT Mitra Unggul Pusaka (PT MUP). The total aid provided includes 1,350 kg of rice and 150 boxes of instant noodles, which enabled the local communities to meet their critical food needs during this challenging time.

PT IIS delivered the food supplies, which included rice and instant noodles, to the Pelalawan Regency Social Service Office, which were received by the Head of the Social Service, Ewin Rommel, MARS, and his team.

Ewin expressed his gratitude for the support, stating, “We would like to thank Asian Agri for the timely assistance. This aid, especially in the form of rice and instant noodles, is crucial to those affected by the floods. We will work with the Pelalawan Regency Flood Victim Handling Team to ensure that the aid reaches the affected areas. The floods, which have been ongoing for almost two weeks due to the overflowing Kampar River, have caused significant disruptions and we hope that more companies will follow suit in supporting the victims of this disaster.”

PT MUP extended similar support by distributing food supplies to the residents in Langgam District, which were received by Maskandar, Head of Langgam District. Maskandar acknowledged the company’s generosity, stating, “We are grateful to Asian Agri for their concern. The food supplies will be collected and distributed by local officers to the evacuation posts, particularly in Langgam Village and Tambak Village, where the floods impact has been the most severe.”

Asian Agri’s Sustainability Operation and CSR Manager, Putu Grhyate Yonata Aksa, commented on the initiative, “We understand the enormous impact that this disaster has had on the local communities, and we feel compelled to provide assistance. We hope that this contribution can help ease the burden of those affected by the flood. Our support is a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to the well-being of the communities in Pangkalan Kerinci and Langgam, and we pray for the floodwaters to recede soon and for the situation to improve.”
Hashtag: #RGE #AsianAgri #CSR #Donation #Community #Flood

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Asian Agri – www.asianagri.com

Asian Agri is one of Indonesia’s leading national private companies producing crude palm oil (CPO) since 1979. To date, Asian Agri manages 100,000 hectares of oil palm plantations and employs over 20,000 people.

As a pioneer of the Indonesian Government’s Smallholder Transmigration Core Plantation Program (PIR-Trans), Asian Agri has partnered with 30,000 plasma smallholders in Riau and Jambi who manage 60,000 hectares of oil palm plantations. Additionally, the company fosters partnerships with independent smallholders to bring positive impacts on their welfare and economic improvement.

By implementing a zero-burning policy and sustainable plantation management practices, Asian Agri helps smallholders increase productivity, crop yields, supply chain traceability and supports them in obtaining certifications. Asian Agri’s factories utilise state-of-the-art technology harnessing self-generated green energy to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

All business units under the umbrella of Asian Agri have obtained ISPO (Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil) certification. Currently, Asian Agri’s core plantations in North Sumatra, Riau, and Jambi provinces, as well as plasma smallholders plantations in Riau and Jambi provinces, are 100% RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified. Simultaneously, ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) has been achieved for all plantations owned by Asian Agri and its partner farmers.

Asian Agri’s success as one of the leading CPO producers has been internationally recognised with ISO 14001 certification for all its operations. The Learning Institute in Pelalawan, Riau, and the seedling center in Kampar, Riau, are also ISO 9001 certified. Furthermore, Asian Agri’s research and development centre in Tebing Tinggi has been certified by the International Plant-Analytical Exchange at the WEPAL lab at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, ensuring high standards.

The 3rd China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition is now recruiting

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In collaboration with ASEAN Secretariat, the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China will host the 3rd China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.

Recently, the organizing committee of the competition, together with TusStar Malaysia,has successively conducted multiple promotional events and competitions in ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore, receiving enthusiastic responses from universities, innovation institutions, and science parks.

The Promotional Event of the Competition in Kuala Lumpur
The Promotional Event of the Competition in Kuala Lumpur

Welcome to join this international competition, showcase your entrepreneurial talent, and win generous prizes and honors!

Reason

Authoritative Endorsement: A national-level competition that bridges innovative resources between China and ASEAN.

Substantial Incentives: Total prize exceeding with RMB 500,000.

Global Exposure: Winning projects will gain international media spotlight, investment matchmaking, and support for market entry in ASEAN.

Fields

The Competition focuses on green and low-carbon technologies, as well as AI+ innovations across various fields, including but not limited to: energy conservation and environmental protection, new energy, new energy vehicles, new materials, carbon neutrality technologies, circular economy, and more.

Awards

Awards for Team Group

A total of the 6 entries will be awarded prizes and certificates of honor, namely 1 first prize with an award of RMB 50,000, 2 second prizes with RMB 30,000 each, and 3 third prizes with RMB 10,000 each.

Awards for Enterprise Group

A total of the 6 entries will be awarded prizes and certificates of honor, namely 1 first prize with an award of RMB 50,000, 2 second prizes with RMB 30,000 each, and 3 third prizes with RMB 10,000 each.

Creativity Star

A total of the 8 entries from Team Group and Enterprise Group ranked 13th to 20th in the Final will be awarded prizes and certificates of honor, with an award of RMB 4,000 each.

Cooperation Star

A total of the top 8 entries from Team Group or Enterprise Group that do not advance to the Final, while demonstrating China-ASEAN cooperation, will be awarded prizes and certificates of honor, with an award of RMB 4,000 each.

Participation Method

You may find more information and download registration form through the following link:

http://www.caiec.cattc.org.cn:480/resource/offWeb/match/index.html

Please send all the registration materials to the mailbox caiec2022@vip.163.com (CC:caiecserviceteam@gmail.com).

The Final of the competition will be held tentatively in July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

From Startup to Success, the competition will provide you with comprehensive support and opportunities to showcase your talents. Take Your Business to the Next Level. Seize the Opportunity and Register Now! 

IYDC Chengdu 2025 to Feature Diverse International Competitors in Global Dance Event


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – The International Youth Dance Competition (IYDC) is set to return in 2025, bringing together young dancers from all over the world to celebrate artistic excellence and technical mastery. In 2025, IYDC will be held in China, Singapore and Thailand. This upcoming IYDC, held in Chengdu, China, on 1 – 3 May will be an opportunity for young performers, educators, and industry professionals to gather and celebrate the art of dance on an international stage.

Prize presentation of IYDC in Singapore in 2024
Prize presentation of IYDC in Singapore in 2024

A Holistic Approach to Dance

The IYDC employs a distinctive judging approach, using a scoring system that awards Gold, Silver, or Bronze bandings based on each participant’s individual performance, rather than ranking dancers against one another. This system aims to recognise personal achievement, encouraging dancers to concentrate on their own development and progress while minimising the focus on direct competition.

Pathway to IYDC Ambassadorship

Dancers scoring Silver and above will be able to qualify for the Elite showcase, where they perform at an advanced level. IYDC Ambassadors are selected from this group every year based on criteria such as performance, dedication, and the ability to inspire others. From there, they gain access to various opportunities, such as special performance invitations at IYDC events, features in international dance campaigns, and the chance to mentor and represent IYDC in future editions.

Opportunities Beyond the Competition

In addition to the competition, the IYDC provides several avenues for professional development. Participants can benefit from direct mentorship from world-class professionals, allowing them to explore new techniques, receive feedback, and gain insights into advanced dance practices.

The event also serves as a platform for networking, allowing dancers to connect with peers from various countries, exchange ideas, and establish professional relationships. The IYDC regularly attracts esteemed adjudicators and partners with renowned dance institutions such as McDonald College (Australia) and Bird College (United Kingdom), providing participants with access to potential scholarships and career opportunities.

AQ Dance Academy to Participate in IYDC Chengdu 2025

Singapore has consistently been well-represented at the International Youth Dance Competition (IYDC), with several local dance academies taking part in previous editions and achieving high standards of performance.

In 2025, AQ Dance Academy will join this distinguished group by leading a team of students to IYDC Chengdu. This will not be the academy’s first time at the competition; in 2024, they received several Gold Awards in the Solos and Group Categories in Singapore. The Best Teamwork Award and Best Choreography Award were awarded to AQ Dance Academy in the Level 3 Small Group – Lyrical/Contemporary category and Level 2 Small Group – Ballet category respectively. AQ Dance Academy’s participation in IYDC aligns with the academy’s focus on supporting students’ growth in a positive and encouraging environment.

Through this event, the academy aims to provide students with a cultural exchange experience and broaden their perspectives. Observing and learning from Chinese dancers, known for their classical technique and artistry, will deepen students’ understanding of global dance standards. For AQ Dance Academy, this event will be a chance for their young dancers to showcase their abilities on an international stage while continuing their artistic development.

IYDC Chengdu will take place from 1st to 3rd May 2025 at the China Sichuan Cultural & Arts Centre.
Hashtag: #IYDC

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About AQ Dance Academy

AQ Dance Academy provides ballet and contemporary dance training, following the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus. The academy’s programmes are designed to help students develop strength, coordination, and musicality, while also promoting life skills such as discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience.

KCM Trade AI Mentor: Smart Trading Tutor—Powered by Knowledge, Precision, Efficiency, and Unmatched Security


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – KCM Trade has officially launched AI Mentor, an advanced AI-powered trading tutor designed to help clients navigate the complexities of trading and bridge information gaps. AI Mentor emphasizes data security, efficiency, and accuracy, showcasing KCM Trade‘s commitment to innovation and education.

In-House AI Team: Maximum Security, Zero Third-Party Dependence
While many financial companies rely on third-party AI systems, only a handful of truly capable firms, such as global banking giants, possess the resources and expertise to develop in-house AI solutions. KCM Trade, however, has taken a more proactive approach by forming a dedicated R&D team in the APAC region. This team comprises 15 AI and financial experts from diverse international backgrounds, enabling AI Mentor to innovate independently and securely.

“By developing our proprietary AI APP, we deliver exceptional data security. Unlike third-party AI solutions that may share client data externally, our proprietary AI system removes third-party involvement, reducing risks in data transactions and ensuring maximum security for our clients. This approach enhances scalability and innovation, making AI Mentor a truly transformative tool for traders.” explained the AI Mentor R&D Team at KCM Trade.

The Mission Behind AI Mentor
AI Mentor‘s mission is to empower traders, not replace them. By combining the precision of artificial intelligence with emotional intelligence, the platform delivers real-time market analysis while supporting users on their individual paths to growth. It is important to note that AI Mentor does not provide trading strategy advice to clients. Instead, it enables users to make informed decisions based on their own knowledge and analysis.

AI Mentor‘s 5-Step Process to Elevate Users’ Trading Journey

Listen & Learn
The platform starts by analysing each user’s trading behavior, goals, and risk tolerance. For instance, it can identify patterns, such as:
“a trader executing 50 trades in a week with an average holding time of 5 minutes, AI Mentor will highlight the client’s ability to make quick decisions and suggest areas for improvement…”

First Step to Confident Trading
New to trading and unsure where to start? AI Mentor anticipates user’s needs as a gentle guide and receive bite-sized starting points like:
“Understanding CFD Basics”
“5 Key Metrics Every Trader Should Track”
“How to Spot Market Trends in 10 Minutes”
Click any topic, and AI Mentor transforms complexity into clarity with step-by-step walkthroughs. Each topic unlocks step-by-step paths—no prior knowledge needed.

Simplify Complexity
AI Mentor cuts through market noise to deliver clear, actionable insights, enabling traders to make informed decisions quickly. It distills key economic indicators into concise and meaningful guidance, for example:
“if user want to know today’s key market events, instead of analyzing lengthy reports, AI Mentor highlights essential figures and their market impact concisely. It also integrates multiple data sources, such as gold prices are once again approaching record highs, Australia’s employment data (January) and U.S. jobless claims data (as of February 15), ensuring traders stay focused on critical market-moving developments.”

Immersive Learning
Every trading activity becomes a valuable learning opportunity. AI Mentor delivers micro-learning insights to enhance user understanding, gradually guiding users toward deeper exploration, for example:
“when users inquire about today’s key market events, AI Mentor not only provides relevant market news but also offers additional insights to enrich their comprehension, such as ‘trade performance analysis’ and ‘guidance on assessing the impact of economic data on the market.’ AI Mentor believes that such supplementary information is essential for users to grow and learn effectively throughout their trading journey.”

Grow Together
The system evolves alongside its users, continuously adapting and improving to serve as a personal trading tutor.

Trade Into Tomorrow: Advanced Tools for the Future
Currently, AI Mentor is in its beta phase and available to clients by invitation only. Exciting enhancements are on the horizon as we roll out planned updates designed to elevate users’ trading experience with advanced tools, real-time insights, and personalized reporting.

News Integration
By connecting with additional news aggregators globally through paid and non-paid channels, we will deliver real-time updates on market-moving events with a single click.

Multi Trading Reports
Moving beyond standard reports, traders will be able to instantly generate self-customized reports 24/7.

Hashtag: #KCMTrade #KCMTradeAIMentor #AIMentor

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About KCM Trade

Founded in 2016, KCM Trade is dedicated to offering reliable, customized, and efficient trading services, connecting clients to top global financial markets. As a liquidity provider, we support institutional clients through a global network and offer diverse trading options to retail clients.

Our operations span Australia, Hong Kong SAR, Taipei, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Mauritius, and other regions. With our experienced and professional team, we can provide all-rounded and reliable support for client transactions.

KCM Trade is part of the KCM Group, affiliated companies include KCM Group Holdings Limited, Kohle Capital Markets Pty Ltd, and Kohle Capital Markets Ltd.

KCM Trade Website: